Monterey Park Seniors Burglarized By Man Posing As Electrical Worker

The suspect has been spotted posing as an electrical worker in order to gain access into seniors' homes. (courtesy Monterey Park PD)

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police on Tuesday warned elderly residents living in Monterey Park that they could be targeted in a “distraction” burglary.

A burglary suspect recently made entry into the residences of local seniors by pretending to be from the electric company and requesting to check their electricity inside the home, Monterey Park police said.

One senior spoke briefly with the suspect outside her residence and then left without granting the suspect entry. She later found her door was forced open and property was reported missing.

In a separate incident, the suspect followed a senior into his apartment after he failed to lock the door behind him. T

The suspect said something to the victim in English and pointed to the lights, leading the victim — who did not speak English — to believe he was there to check on the electricity.

The senior allowed the suspect to remain in his home and later found property missing from the residence.

Police said the suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male between the ages of 45 and 50 years old, approximately between 5’7″ and 5’9″ tall, 190 pounds, black hair with some gray, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, and blue jeans.

Anyone in the area who comes into contact with anyone claiming they are from the electric company, please call 911 to report the suspicious person immediately, police said.

Anyone with information on this crime should contact Detective Ben Cevallos at (626) 307-1487 or anonymously call CRIMESTOPPERS at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).